What the examiner is looking for
You need to keep the car under control while making effective observations throughout. Accuracy matters, but safety comes first: if another person or vehicle could be affected, pause and reassess.
Your observations should inform what you do. Looking without responding to a developing risk does not demonstrate safe judgement.
- Slow, controlled movement
- All-round observation
- Safe response to hazards
- Reasonable accuracy
Bay parking
You may be asked to drive forward into a bay and reverse out, or reverse into a bay and drive out. Use a speed that gives you time to observe and make small steering corrections.
Check around the car before and during the manoeuvre, particularly for pedestrians and vehicles moving through the car park. Reference points can help, but they should support observation rather than replace it.
Parallel parking
The aim is to finish reasonably close and parallel to the kerb while staying in control. Choose a safe speed, observe in every direction and be prepared to stop if the road situation changes.
If the position needs correction, a calm adjustment is better than continuing into an unsafe or inaccurate position.
Pulling up on the right
You may be asked to pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for about two car lengths and then rejoin traffic. This tests judgement when crossing and returning to the normal side of the road.
Choose a safe place, check carefully before changing position and maintain close observation while reversing and moving away.
Practising effectively
Practise in varied safe locations so you learn to judge the space rather than depend on one car park or kerb. Ask your instructor to reduce prompts as your confidence develops.
On test, listen carefully to the instruction and take a moment to plan. You are allowed to make safe corrections; rushing usually makes control and observation less effective.